Latest KFF Health News Stories
Amid Echoes Of Covid, Alarms Ring As People Catch Shrew ‘Langya’ Virus
The covid pandemic is ongoing but news outlets report on a new zoonotic virus causing concern in China: 35 people have a newly identified virus, called Langya, which can cause liver and kidney failure. Fortunately human infections seem sporadic, and there’s no evidence of human-to-human spread.
FDA OKs Modified Dosing Method For Monkeypox Vax; US Buys More Tpoxx
The emergency authorization from the Food and Drug Administration will spread limited supplies to reach more people: The method uses a smaller amount of the vaccine administered as an intradermal shot. To combat the virus, the federal government is also buying the IV antiviral drug Tpoxx.
Republicans in Wisconsin, Minnesota Pick Anti-Abortion Candidates For Governor
Republican voters in the two states nominated anti-abortion governor candidates for what Reuters says may be two of the most high-profile races in the upcoming general election. But in Colorado, a proposed measure seeking to ban abortions will not appear on the November ballot.
Nebraska Uses Facebook Info To Charge Woman For Aiding Daughter’s Abortion
The then-17-year-old girl in the case was about 24 weeks pregnant, AP reports, and the Facebook data included messages discussing using medication to abort the pregnancy. Nebraskan law currently forbids abortions after 20 weeks. Nebraska’s governor recently resisted pressure to shorten that limit.
Montana Supreme Court Prevents Abortion Ban From Taking Effect
The justices upheld a lower court ruling that blocked three separate laws, including a ban on abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Meanwhile in Idaho, the Justice Department is trying to block the state’s near-total abortion ban. And in Wyoming, a judge will rule today on the state’s temporary ban.
Senate Democrats Angle For Another Vote On $35 Insulin Cost Cap
Despite strong public support, as illustrated in a new poll, a measure to cap private insurance costs on insulin at $35 a month was axed from the Inflation Reduction Act. But Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says that he will bring the measure up for a separate vote, forcing senators on the record before the midterm elections.
Dems Work To Quickly Push Health, Climate, And Tax Bill Through House
With a vote targeted for Friday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she would ask members to approve the Inflation Reduction Act as it was passed in the Senate. Congressional Republicans who are physicians voiced concerns over the included drug pricing measures, while the Hill debate quickly bleeds onto the campaign trail. News outlets also examine the bill’s potential impact for many Americans.
HHS Targets Rural Health Care Gaps With $60M Investment
The Department of Health and Human Services will direct $60 million to rural communities with an aim toward increasing the depleted workforce and increasing health care access for people who live far from medical facilities.
Hospital Execs Look For Tech Shortage Relief As Biden Signs CHIPS Bill
The CHIPS and Science Act provides billions for the semiconductor sector as well as for the National Science Foundation. The new law aims to solve supply chain shortages that have affected the health industry, as well as boost scientific innovation.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
Opinion writers examine monkeypox, abortion and covid.
CDC Investigating New York’s Polio Case
As well as looking into the surprising report of a polio case in Rockland County, New York, the federal team will also help with a vaccination program. Bill Gates, long a proponent of strong polio vaccination programs, says the case is an alarm bell in the battle to end polio.
Children’s Mental Health Is In Its Own Pandemic: Study
The coronavirus pandemic dramatically increased anxiety and depression in kids ages 3 to 17, according to the recent annual “Kids Count” study from child welfare charity the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Separately, The Washington Post highlights increasing mental health issues in tween girls.
Climate Issues Found To Worsen A Majority Of Infectious Diseases
News outlets report on a study of infectious human diseases, which found a link between worsening climate issues and worsening infections from 218 of the 375 known varieties. Also: teens turning to tobacco-free nicotine gummies, links to cannabis vaping from tobacco vaping, and more.
Pfizer Begins Vaccine Trial To Combat Lyme Disease
The in-development drug, called VLA15 and designed in partnership with Valneva, will be tested on about 6,000 people internationally, including in the U.S. Pfizer is also in the news for a new drug warranty on CIPD drug Panzyga, and for buying Global Blood Therapeutics for $5.4 billion.
US Trauma Care Access Improves, But Remains Patchy
Though a national system to care for patients with traumatic injuries hasn’t been created, despite expert calls to the White House years ago, a study found access to care has improved since the 2010s. Unevenly, though. Also: medical bill transparency, hospital marketing on social media, and more.
Judge Could Pause Georgia’s Abortion Ban On Privacy Violation Grounds
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney is considering arguments that challenge the new anti-abortion law on the grounds it violates the state constitution. He may choose to suspend the law while the case makes its way through court.
No Appointments: 1 In 5 People Unable To Get Help For Illness During Pandemic
A new poll shows a rift between racial groups: Among Black respondents, 15% said they were disrespected, turned away, unfairly treated, or received poor treatment because of their race and ethnicity, compared with only 3% of white respondents who said the same.
Doctors Sound Alarm Over Lawsuit Challenging ACA’s Preventive Screenings
A decision is expected in the coming weeks in a Texas lawsuit that could upend or overturn the popular Affordable Care Act measure that mandates free preventive health checkups, citing religious arguments. The case is being heard by a judge who previously ruled the ACA to be unconstitutional — a decision overturned by the Supreme Court.
